Pedestrian and Traffic Safety

You’re in the Driver’s Seat

Your safety
is Clemson’s No. 1 priority, and pedestrian and traffic safety is an area of
particular concern on a campus where people and vehicles share some of the same
spaces. Please take a few minutes to read the questions and answers below and
learn what you can do to make Clemson University a safer place to live, learn
and work. If you have more questions or want to comment or make a suggestion, call
864-656-2222.

What can I do to improve traffic and pedestrian safety?

You
already know the answers to that question.

When you are driving, slow down.

Watch for pedestrians who might step in front
of your vehicle.

Don’t text or e-mail while you are driving.

When you are walking or riding a bicycle or
skateboard, look both ways before you cross the street.

Don’t assume drivers see you or will stop.

Be aware of what is happening around you, so
be careful if you are texting or listening to music while you are walking.
You may not see or hear a vehicle or the bicyclist who is about to pass
you.

What is the speed limit on campus?

The speed
limit on campus streets is 15 mph unless they are otherwise marked. If you
don’t see a speed limit sign or are unsure, assume the speed limit is 15 mph.
Because of the pedestrian and bicycle traffic on campus it is not safe to drive
faster than the speed limit.

Who has the right of way at
crosswalks?

South Carolina
law says vehicles must yield to pedestrians who are in a
crosswalk on their side of the road or if the pedestrian approaching from the
other side is close enough to be in danger. Pedestrians should look both ways
before stepping into a crosswalk to be sure drivers see them and are going to
stop.

If the pedestrian is in the
crosswalk, stop. Vehicles have the right of way when there’s a Don’t Walk
signal for pedestrians, but drivers should be alert for people who cross
anyway.

If there are no vehicles coming,
is it OK to cross even if the signal says Don’t Walk?

No. It’s
against the law to start crossing the street if the Don’t Walk sign is on. Even
if no cars are in sight, it’s very dangerous. Drivers may turn from side
streets or come speeding around a curve and assume the road is clear because
the light is green.

Who
has the right of way if a pedestrian crosses where there is no crosswalk?

Vehicles have the right of way if a
pedestrian crosses the street at any place other than a marked crosswalk. But
safety comes first, so drivers must be prepared to stop if pedestrians step
into the road where there is no crosswalk or from between parked vehicles.
Pedestrians should look both ways before crossing any road.

Is
it illegal to text while driving on campus?

It is not illegal on campus, but it
is highly dangerous to drive while distracted by texting, e-mailing or adjusting
the radio. It is illegal to text or e-mail while driving in the city of
Clemson, which includes most of the roads that surround the campus. The
penalty for violating the ordinance is a fine up to $100.

Are
passengers in vehicles required to wear seat belts?

Yes. South Carolina law requires
occupants of a vehicle to wear seat belts. There are a very few exceptions, such
as having written verification from a doctor that there is a physical reason
for not wearing a seat belt.

Is there a limit to the number of
passengers in a vehicle?

It’s illegal to drive a vehicle with
more than three people in the front seat or to “obstruct the view of the driver
to the front or sides of the vehicle or as to interfere with the driver's
control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle.” It is unsafe to have more
passengers than a vehicle is designed to carry. Passengers also are required to
wear seat belts.

What are the rules about riding
bicycles on campus?

Bicyclists must observe the same laws as other
vehicles, including obeying traffic lights and signs.

Bicyclists should use hand signals when
turning and stopping. Hand signals can be simple as
pointing for 5 seconds in the intended direction of travel.

Bicycles may not be ridden on sidewalks.

The
Clemson University Police Department encourages bicyclists to follow these
safety tips:

Always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.

Wear
brightly colored or reflective clothing

Attach
lights and/or reflectors to your bike to help with visibility during poor
weather conditions or at night.

Always check for traffic before entering an
intersection or crossing a road.

Be considerate. Don’t ride more than two
abreast on roads.

Don’t use mobile devices or iPods that might
interfere with your ability to hear or see oncoming traffic. Pull over and
get off your bike to use them.

Yield to pedestrians.

Give
an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian.

Are there rules about riding
mopeds?

Mopeds
must have a rearview mirror, operable running
lights and brake lights. The moped’s operating lights must be turned on at all
times. Moped riders should be aware that the number of serious accidents
involving mopeds in South Carolina is on the rise, so it is especially
important to drive safely and be aware of other vehicles.

Is
it OK to ride skateboards on campus?

Skateboards being used for
transportation are allowed on most campus sidewalks. However, acrobatic
maneuvers, stunts, trick riding and speed runs are prohibited on campus. Curbs,
benches, steps, railings and similar objects have been damaged by skateboards.

Police recommend that skateboarders:

Wear
a helmet and other protection to avoid serious injury

Avoid
riding in areas where there are a lot of pedestrians

Not
ride in the street

What
do people driving golf carts and utility vehicles on campus need to know?

Drivers of golf carts and utility
vehicles should adhere to the same traffic laws as cars and trucks. They must
obey traffic signals and they should give pedestrians the right of way at
crosswalks. They should avoid traveling on sidewalks or other walkways unless
it is necessary for the task at hand (for instance, brush removal), and should
make an audible signal when they are about to overtake pedestrians. Drivers
also should signal their intention to stop or turn. If the vehicle is not
equipped with signals they should use hand signals.

Tiger Transit is now a part of
the m.clemson app. This means everyone with an Internet-enabled device can easily access the
ride request screen and get a ride with Tiger Transit. In m.clemson we
are part of the "Links" section. Learn more about Mobile
Clemson at www.clemson.edu/mobile/.